Page 128 of For the Sub

“That’s a yes?”

He sighed exasperatedly and advanced on her to capture her shoulders. “What part of no did you not comprehend?”

“Sir, that’s hardly fair. You had no interest in either of those things.”

“And? I’d have bid on a dozen items because it’s a fundraiser, and that’s what’s expected.”

“But at least you would have gotten things you wanted,” she persisted.

“Stubborn, confounded…” He brought his back teeth together.

“And I’m right.”

No way could Niles back down and allow her to triumph in this argument. She’d only learn that she could outlast him, and that was a message he refused to send. “My answer is no.”

“Then I don’t want the stuff. We can donate it back for the next auction.”

“Your spanking is going to be really uncomfortable if you don’t accept my decision.”

She lifted an eyebrow.

With a sigh, he released her and dug a hand into his hair. “Damn it, woman. Let me do this for you.”

Tension pulsed, thick and heavy.

“Please,” he added.

“Paying you back is a matter of pride,” she said softly. “This matters to me.”

With her eyes, she beseeched him.

Fuck.

To truly make her happy, he would need to compromise, no matter how difficult that was for him. “How about this… You buy dinner when we go to the game. And if you want, a hotel room.”

She narrowed her eyes. “It won’t be at a place like this,” she warned.

Here they were, talking about a future.

And he liked it.

“Are we in agreement?” he asked.

“I have one more thing to say, Sir.”

Of course you do.

“Thank you. You’re more than generous, Master Niles.”

“Brandy, believe me when I say this… Seeing you happy is worth anything.” Leisurely, but with passion, he kissed her, only letting her go when he was in danger of losing control.

A few minutes later, after discussing their options, they decided to take a stroll and ride the shuttle on the Sixteenth Street Mall to take in the sights.

Their outing ended up lasting a few hours, and they walked and sipped coffee while people watching and window shopping.

Other than an occasional meal out, he rarely took the time to appreciate the city he lived in.

If he had someone like Brandy in his life, he might do it more often.

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